10 Hidden Spots Renters Always Forget to clean during their move out and How Our Experts Tackle Them

After 40 years in the cleaning business, I’ve seen more move-out walkthroughs than I can count—and I’ve heard just as many stories from renters who lost part of their deposit over areas they didn’t even realize needed cleaning. At Karen’s Green Maids, our goal is to make sure that never happens to our clients.

In this article, I’ll share the 10 hidden areas most renters forget to clean before moving out—and how our fast move out cleaning crew makes sure every inch is spotless and ready for inspection.

Inside Appliances Like Dishwashers and Washing Machines Get Overlooked Easily

These machines might look clean on the outside, but open them up and you’ll often find mold, soap residue, or grime. Our team cleans inside the rubber seals, filters, and detergent compartments to ensure they’re fresh and odor-free.

The Space Behind and Beneath Appliances Often Hides Years of Dirt

If you’ve never pulled your fridge or stove away from the wall, you’d be surprised at what builds up. Our cleaners move heavy appliances carefully to get behind and underneath—removing grease, dust, crumbs, and other debris.

Dirty Air Vents and Exhaust Fans Are a Red Flag for Property Managers

Many renters neglect to clean bathroom fans and ceiling vents, which lead to the accumulation of dust and mildew. Our staff uses environmentally friendly techniques to carefully remove vent covers and clean fan blades and ducts, restoring hygienic conditions and airflow.

Window Tracks and Frames Can Get Moldy and Dusty Without You Noticing

Simply wiping the glass is insufficient. Our cleaners remove accumulated dirt, insects, and allergens from window sills and tracks. Landlords are frequently most impressed by these minor details.

Baseboards and Door Frames Are Low on the Radar but High on Inspection Lists

Over time, these surfaces accumulate dirt, hair, and scuffs, particularly in households with children or pets. To restore their original appearance, we hand-wipe all baseboards and trim using eco-friendly cleaning products.

Certified, Trusted, and Reviewed by Hundreds of Satisfied Renters and Realtors

Karen's Green Maids isn't your typical housekeeping service. In addition to being certified in environmentally responsible cleaning methods, we are licensed, bonded, and insured. Our reputation is based on results, as seen by the more than 500 five-star reviews and the more than 12,000 happy customers we have in the Chicago area.

We have a history of working with property managers, have won numerous city and neighborhood honors, and frequently assist realtors by preparing apartments for sale or rental. Our cleaners are meticulous, well-trained, and have undergone background checks.

According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, a clean indoor environment significantly affects well-being and stress levels—something landlords and buyers notice immediately.

Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures Can Be Dusty, Dim, and Forgotten

Even a clean room can look dingy if the light fixtures are full of dust or bugs. We clean fan blades and light globes to help the space feel brighter and more inviting.

Closet Interiors and Built-in Shelving Often Go Untouched

Surprisingly, a lot of hair, dust, and even residual smells are concealed in closets. Every surface within, even deep corners and upper shelves that tenants often overlook, is vacuumed and cleaned by our staff.

Garbage Disposals and Kitchen Drains May Smell Long After You’re Gone

If not treated, these tiny areas are teeming with bacteria. We deodorize and clean all drains and disposals to give your kitchen a clean, fresh scent.

Shower Heads and Faucet Aerators Collect Hard Water Deposits and Grime

These fixtures might work fine, but they often have mineral buildup that landlords notice. We soak and scrub each one until they shine and flow like new.

Oven Drawers and Broiler Compartments Often Contain Old Crumbs and Grease

Many renters clean the stovetop and oven interior, but forget the bottom drawers. We empty, scrub, and sanitize these often-neglected compartments so no dirt is left behind.

A Thorough Clean Can Be the Difference Between Losing and Keeping Your Deposit

When renters trust our team to handle their move-out cleaning, we bring more than elbow grease—we bring experience. By checking every overlooked spot, using eco-safe supplies, and working efficiently, we help ensure that the security deposit stays in your pocket.

If you’re preparing to move and want peace of mind, trust the pros who know what property managers look for. Karen’s Green Maids delivers highly reviewed house cleaning services you can count on—backed by decades of expertise and attention to detail.